The No. 18 University of Redlands men's tennis team traveled to Claremont on Saturday to face No. 9 Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in an important Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown. After the Sagehens soared out to a 4-1 lead, the Bulldogs mustered the full comeback by winning the final four singles matches to snag a 5-4 upset in exciting fashion.
In doubles, the host team jumped out to an early lead with impressive results at Nos. 1 and 2. But Redlands remained steadfast in avoiding the sweep with an 8-6 decision by seniors Parker Wilson (Carlsbad, CA) and Tom Suchodolski (Amherst, MA) at No. 3.
Trailing 1-2, the Bulldogs hoped for a strong start in singles. Unfortunately, the momentum swung back in favor of the Sagehens, who cruised to straight-set wins at Nos. 1 and 6 to quickly go up by an overall score of 4-1.
Nonetheless, Redlands refused to go away and showed great grit and determination with gutsy performances at all four, remaining singles matches. Suchodolski initiated the Maroon and Gray's comeback with his solid 6-0, 6-4 showing at the No. 5 slot, while senior Jake Ly (Torrance, CA) kept the ball rolling by defeating his No. 4 foe in a 6-3, 7-5 effort. After Wilson came away with a 6-3, 7-5 decision at No. 2, Redlands needed to seal the deal at No. 3. Junior Joey Dulle (St. Louis, MO) stepped up to the challenge by prevailing in an incredibly hard-fought, 7-6(6), 7-5 victory for the Bulldogs' comeback.
Redlands (4-1, 2-0 SCIAC) returns home to Verdieck Courts on Wednesday, March 8, for a non-conference tilt against No. 29 Swarthmore College (PA) at 2 p.m.